How to protect cats
Parasite protection tailored to a cat’s lifestyle is important, whether they’re an outdoor adventurer or an indoor snuggler. Thanks to modern feline healthcare, protecting your cat from parasites has never been simpler.
Cat parasites
Your cat is a master of disguise; they can be itchy, uncomfortable, or even unwell and still look serene.
Fleas, ticks and mites are sometimes visible, but worms can hide completely, especially if your cat doesn’t use a litter tray. Knowing the subtle signs means you can act quickly, protecting your cat and your family.
In this chapter, we’ll look at what parasites are, why they matter, and how to spot the signs of infection.
| Parasite | What | Why it matters | How to spot it |
|---|---|---|---|
Fleas
|
Tiny, brown, jumping insects that live on cats and feed on blood. | Can cause itching, allergic skin reactions, anaemia in kittens; can transmit tapeworms and some bacterial diseases to humans. | Scratching/overgrooming, bald patches or scabs, black “flea dirt” specks that turn red on damp tissue, pale gums in kittens. |
Ticks
|
Blood-sucking parasites related to spiders; latch onto skin and feed for days. | Can cause skin irritation and carry diseases such as Lyme disease and babesiosis, which affect cats and humans. | Firm lump on skin (often head, neck, legs) that grows over days; redness/swelling at bite site. |
Mites
|
Microscopic parasites living in ears or on skin. Can spread between cats or from contaminated environments. | Can cause ear infections, intense itching, skin irritation; secondary infections from scratching. | Head shaking, scratching at ears, dark wax/crusty debris in ears, red/sore skin around head, neck, rump, or tail. |
Roundworms
& Hookworms
|
Intestinal worms caught from contaminated soil, hunting prey, or mother to kittens. | Can cause poor coat, weight loss, diarrhoea, anaemia, intestinal blockages; some species infect humans. | Dull coat, weight loss despite eating, pot belly (kittens), diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy. |
Tapeworms
|
Flat, segmented worms caught from infected prey or swallowing infected fleas. | Can cause weight loss, irritation around anus; can infect humans in rare cases. | Rice-like segments around anus or bedding, scooting bottom, unexplained weight loss. |
Lungworms
|
Worms living in the lungs, caught from eating infected slugs/snails or prey. | Can cause respiratory problems; can be life-threatening, especially in kittens and older cats. | Coughing, wheezing, breathing difficulties, tiredness, reduced appetite. |
Source: ESCCAP UK
Risk assessment
Create your cat's unique parasite risk profile and share with your vet.
How to apply a spot-on
Many parasite products for cats come in an easy spot-on formulation, follow the tips below for easy application.
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Step #1
Use scissors to open the blister pack, pull foils apart and remove spot-on applicator from package.
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Step #2
Hold applicator in an upright position, twist, and pull off the cap and use the opposite end of the cap to break the seal.
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Step #3
Part the fur on the back of your cat’s neck, as close to the base of the skull as possible, until the skin is visible. Place the tip of the applicator on the skin and squeeze firmly several times to fully empty the contents of the spot-on directly onto your cat’s skin. Application of the liquid at the base of the skull will help to stop your cat from licking the product off.
Pipette application demonstration
Pipette application demonstration if your cat moves around a lot